NRA was established in 1965. In 1968 law number 12 was ratified to regulate tasks, responsibilities and management of NRA. NRA was formed then, from many Directorates amongst are Mining, Geology, Water and Irrigation.

Since 1985, The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources was assigned as the President of NRA. Water and Irrigation Directorates were transferred to form an essential component of Water Authority.

NRA is entrusted with the following responsibilities:-

•  Suggest policies to investigate, develop and exploit energy and mineral resources.
• Explore and prospect for mineral resources in the form of executing geological, geophysical, geochemical, technical, and economical studies.
• Adopt plans and programs to administer laws and regulations in various fields of mineral resources.
• Issue permits and licenses for prospecting explorations, mining, quarrying and mineral rights certificates.
• Coordinate cooperation with various international Entities.
• Supervise all hydrocarbons activities within the borders of Jordan including granting concession, exploration and exploitation international agreements.
• Other duties assigned to NRA by the Council of Ministers such as investment promotion activities in mining.